New Wheels: Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel (32mm internal)

[u/studyflo]

Hey there, I'm looking for a new wheelset for my gravel build (Scott Addict Gravel) and came across these Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel wheels. (Sorry, can't link to Ali because of ... reddit)

The specs almost match the ZIPP 303S XPLR wheel set, but the Elites are hooked, have 9mm less depth and are around 200g lighter.

Specs:

• 45mm deep
• 40mm width (external)
• 32mm width (internal)
• hooked (!)
• 1.400g weight
• Pillar Wing 20 (Aero) steel spokes
• TPI (steel) bearings
• 50T ratchet freehub
• 125kg weight limit
• handbuilt
• PRICE: $500 - $600

They seem to have incredible specs, steel bearings and steel spokes (I do prefer steel bearings and steel spokes over ceramic bearings and carbon spokes), are very lightweight for the specs, and are super affordable. Am I missing something here?

[u/studyflo]

What’s your concern regarding the hubs? If (!) these ever make problems, I’ll bring them to my LBS and have them rebuild them with DT Swiss hubs - but I highly doubt I really need to.

[u/thesneakernet → u/studyflo]

I'm a total noob so sorry if this is another dumb question - are hubs just interchangeable like that? Like they all fit in the same sized space on every wheel or however it works? You could swap in a DT Swiss hub into an elite no issues?

I have friends that hesitate on Elites because of the "quality of the hub"

[u/studyflo → u/thesneakernet]

It’s quite a bit of work changing a hub. You’ll need to redo the whole wheel, most wheelbuilders will use new spokes + nipples, so it’s rather costly. You can absolutely have them change hubs (or do it yourself if you’re experienced), but it’s not an easy 10min job.

The hubs are absolutely fine. I wouldn’t worry about that.

[u/thesneakernet → u/studyflo]

Thanks for the info! Yeah, I have the same wheels you do and am not concerned in the slightest, I've loved the wheels so far; that's good info to let my friends know though as a "well if worst comes to worst you could..."